I hate how helpless I feel when all this trauma happens. I feel so fortunate to live in Europe and could offer my home to Ukrainian refugees. We currently have a mother, daughter (14), and son (6) living with us until they can settle permanently here. The support they've received from Germany and our small community has been overwhelming. I feel so lucky to live in a country that still promotes life over "liberty" and genuinely cares about it's population. It's so exhausting to be constantly asked by non-Americans, "what is wrong with your country?". I have no answers anymore and I don't know what to do anymore. I feel so stuck.
I submitted a long reply to this, and I don’t see it now. It couldn’t have been deleted because I didn’t say anything wrong. I thought you were very kind to help the Ukrainian family, which is more than many of us could even try to do. I gather you are an American now living in Europe because you keep being asked about America. Don’t worry, there are lots of us here in the US who are working on these problems. Somehow we will get through.
Hi Carol, I never saw your reply, sorry. I wonder where it went? And, you're right, we will get through, and I suppose things could always be worse. I'm just so weary and I think so many of us feel this way. Helping this family has brought so much joy to our lives and blossomed a new friendship that would have never happened had Putin not invaded...so, there are always silver linings. It's just hard to see the suffering. It seems to be much more tolerated and I don't understand why. I appreciate your response. Thanks!
I was raised to believe that the opposite of morality is not immorality; it’s indifference. Simply put, I was taught that indifference, the antithesis of empathy and understanding, too often, leads to acceptance of the unacceptable, be it immediate or remote. Hence, when someone who has power, for example, says, “We cannot do this or that.” Why? “Because so much money would be needed. We don’t have the money. Or housing would be required. We don’t have the housing.”—I would like to think, even if I expected I would not succeed, neither would I submit.
I suppose my point is that, at least for me, the antidote to despair derives from exercising those choices that make a person humane—and uniquely human.
We cannot turn our backs on the pain of others. The knowledge that we could suffer the same or similar fate is only part of the reality. It's just plain wrong that has been and is being done, and will continue to be done without as strong a pushback as possible. I contribute to Inequality Media as much as I can and other worthy sites. I make sure i get enough rest and support my relatives in the Upper Midwest (Minnesota) who are experiencing flooding of their home. I speak the truth to power about what legislation needs to be passed, and who may be able to get it done .and give what support I can to those incumbents and candidates. We need decency!
We need leaders who are not afraid to take immediate action that will protect the rest of us. We cannot ever let things slowly (or rapidly) happen like this ever again. We need all of us to take this country back. And I think we will do it. International pressure is building too!
Run for office. I did, nine times. Won 6. It’s hard stuff. Governing is hard. So many diverse actors. I had more to do. I served on President Obama’s State, Local and Tribal Leaders Climate Preparedness and Resilience Task Force. If you are from CA, the terrific Salud Carbajal was a member, also. We made a difference, educated folks. Here in Ohio, we are stuck in gerrymandered purgatory. While we sere off doing “good stuff”, the Rs were busy getting their ducks in line to tie up our state. We were an early test. Many are trying to turn that around. It’s not a lack of leaders “who are not afraid”. Our President is not afraid. He’s fighting like HELL. We need more democrats elected.
Whoa, Paula, you are terrific, truly doing the hard work of being a contributing citizen. The work you're doing is very difficult. Kudos to you and thanks for sharing your experience.
I'm very proud to know of people like you Paula, who are willing to give their most precious commodity, personal time for the good of others. You're right it's not just a lack of leaders, it's a lack of voters who bother to read the issues or think about what a potential candidate is offering. I'm not sure how to reach those who chose to vote for the "most popular" instead of the most willing to try to better our Country.
I think, Fay, we talk to anybody that will listen, and, by all means get people registered. So many get “purged” from voter rolls when they don’t vote consecutively, or the move, change their names, and for many reasons. These voters oftentimes do not even know. Life gets hard. Especially has it been hard for folks during the pandemic. Our local parties across the country have great programs. There is renewed door to door happening. If we all do a bit, then we can have HOPE for sure as Professor Robert discussed.
I am now 89, and find walking difficult, but from 1968 through 2018 I walked precincts, registered voters, manned phoned banks, and did whatever I could for candidates of my choice. It is an inspiring experience and helps the volunteer in understanding the issues important to voters.
Paula -- THANK YOU for all you've done. I want quotas for women in all legislative bodies. The world would make a major turnaround if we did -- assuming we could fend off the brainwashed GOP Trump women.
A few days ago, a woman posted on a local neighborhood site that she and her daughter needed some food. She's living in a subsidized housing unit while awaiting HUD housing. After verifying that she was real and this was a legitimate request, that she had the facilities and means to prepare food, I bought her a couple of weeks' worth of groceries. On my way to deliver them, I drove past several people standing with signs at various intersections in the city. I averted my eyes. I was on my way to help a hungry family and just couldn't help everyone else that needed help enroute. The needs are greater than my resources. They're recurring. If I sold everything I owned and gave it to the poor, I'd become one of them and doubt if a single one would be lifted out of poverty by my actions.
This is small scale and I believe that's where change begins. Maybe, that woman's daughter will grow up to be the president or to lead great social change because of her youthful experience.
The emotional toll of national and international events, though, is crushing. It amplifies the local needs.
I learned about the June 11th March for our Lives and immediately looked up the location of the nearest march. I'm going to Ithaca, NY on that day even though I have two knee replacements and am 77yo. I knew this would happen when the assault weapons ban was allowed to expire. No, the 2nd amendment doesn't cover assault weapons!! We can and must get rid of them again!
Thank you professor. I feel helpless and hopeless. That may be my mental illness speaking or it may be my history. I am in physical and mental pain, much of the time. I would argue, that much of what is wrong with the world, has it roots in acts, and inaction, that occurred over all of my adult life, and much of your adult life. I have lost, and am continuing to lose, much. I think about a fictional candidate for president. “I am here to tell you that hope is real, in a life of trials and a world of challenges hope is real…..In a time of global chaos, and instability where our faiths collide as often as our weapon, hope is real. Hope is not up for debate. There’s such a thing as false signs, as false promises but there is no such thing as false hope. There is only hope.” As I have so many times before, and will do many times in the future. I will start from where I am, with what I have, and move toward what I want. I have no choice.
Fred, I appreciate your comment. I used to have hope, the eternal optimist, "half full," I always said. It's been driven out of me by blatant ignorance (even in the face of knowledge) and narcissism (even by politicians who declare altruism, but are inherently out for only themselves). The "false signs" and "false promises" are winning the day, not hope, sadly. The fact that The World, literally, is allowing an entire country's people to be massacred by Russia indicates we have lost our humanity. A bully should never be allowed to cause harm while 'the crowd' looks on. Inaction is unacceptable, and 'sanctions' DO NOT save lives. This is NOT the world I grew up in and I feel helpless to change it. The inaction of our Congress to right wrongs and correct injustice is appalling. Speaking out has no effect on outcomes. I feel I truly "have no choice," have been disempowered. All that said, perhaps the flicker of hope flame will grow with more coming together of silent people who care to create a bonfire of change back to decency and universal compassion with appreciation for diversity.
Unfortunately, nuclear weapons have limited the good politicians' options. We can all hope that someday they are eliminated. That's the ultimate hope for me.
What happened to the hope machine? I saw one comment about hope. Wherever we are, we must see the beauty in nature, each other, and have courage to face. These situations “without words “. It’s been a horrific few weeks. Because we all have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbor littles...wherever, let’s fire up that hope machine, put in the energy needed, and get this turned around. We have no time to lose.
None of us really feel like getting in the fight, however we must! We mobilized and rid ourselves of the worst idiot ever in the WH. We have to keep him and his ilk from coming back. Dan Solomon-what’s that team? Let’s remember the Obama refrain, “Fired Up, Ready To Go!”
Field Team 6 is having a "volunteer fair" Thursday
In order to win, we need to FLIP four Senate races in Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Field Team 6 has millions of unregistered likely Democratic women in a database from these states.
Another saying is worth recalling: Don't get mad, get even. Even in a red county (Seneca, in Jim Jordan's district) in gerrymandered states like Ohio, my hope machine is humming. Support Tim Ryan and other blue heroes.
Todays substack post is so important considering everything happening worldwide, from Putin’s war on Ukraine to the murder of 19 children and 2 teachers in Texas. We have all been emotionally slammed over the past several years and it’s easy to become overwhelmed, I know that I have been many times, however, what helps me cope a little easier is by doing small things, such as donating to organizations that address each issue. I even bought a painting from Ukrainian artist recently to help support her. As Dr. Reich said, getting involved is another great way to stay focused. I volunteer for a progressive organization, I sign petitions, I make calls, etc., each one individually may not make a huge difference, however when many people get involved too, it can and often does. Turning anger into action can be one of the greatest emotional boosts.
Money helps, and often more than you think. Just read the notes of appreciation from any charity and you'll see that your donation plus those of others can bring health, dignity and motivation to improve community life as well as individual security. There is a Hindu belief that (I think I remember this), according to karma, people go through four stages of life: learning in youth, practicing in adulthood, retiring in autumn years and ultimately divestment, or sharing one's wealth with the needy, including the endangered world.
There are no words… this is what I said over and over again about the former occupant of the Peoples House. I simply couldn’t find a word to describe the shame and embarrassment towards those that voted him into office.
There’s a huge disconnect between this laundry list of problems in this country and the elected officials that could have done much more to prevent mass shootings with assault weapons, for starters.
And get together--with people who feel and believe as you do. It's hopeless if you feel all alone. But you can find friends to support you and to take concerted action.
In order to win, we need to FLIP four Senate races in Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Field Team 6 has millions of unregistered likely Democratic women in a database from these states.
Another group who seem to lack all empathy for those who are not wealthy and powerful are the six Republican Supreme Court justices.
I think the best way to combat the sadness and frustration is to become involved in an advocacy organization or a political campaign, even a local one. I heard a comment that some gun safety legislation now has a better chance in the Senate, because gun safety advocacy organizations have become more numerous and better organized over the past ten years. Feeling that you're making a positive impact is a powerful anti-depressant.
The Supreme Court justices! Of course you are right. After all, THEY are themselves wealthy, placed on that court BY the wealthy elite to SPECIFICALLY do their bidding. And boy has that court, since 2000, has done that!! One of the most corrupt institutions in our government is the Supreme Court number one, and all the lower federal courts that McConnell corrupted.
Spot on! Claire. The Supreme Court gets the attention but it is the Federal Courts Nationwide that Moscow Mitch packed with like thinking cronies that are doing the most damage to our representative democracy.
We all can do something no matter how small. Donating our time and dollars to,some of the myriad organizations doing good work. Going one on one with people we know are suffering in our families and communities. And directing efforts especially , too, towards modifying the influence of moneyed interests in our political universe.
Going on with the topic of the susceptibility of emotion to propaganda, we see that Alito’s Manifesto as an emotional appeal, not a valid legal analysis - one test for propaganda is that it may offer concepts in the garb of reason and fact but avoid the application of rational analysis to them in the argument.
One propaganda meme which Alito founds his argument on, is “…that certain rights are constitutionally protected only if they are “deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition” and “implicit in the concept of ordered liberty…””
This is analytic dreck. Any decent high school class on the Constitution will recite the Ninth Amendment, twenty-one words reading: “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.”
Long before John Marshall analyzed the role of the Supreme Court itself to authoritatively judge the Constitution, these words were right there in the document. Words such as “deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition” do not appear there.
One precedent cited in Alito’s argument dated from 1997, which he might consider deeply rooted in precedent (Glucksberg), more so than Roe (1976). One reason that true American Conservatives are predisposed against legal innovation is the claim that there is nothing new under the sun in human behavior; therefore, there is no need for legal innovation to address “new” issues, as they impact humans in a way immaterial to the novelty of the argument.
Distaste for legal innovation is the purpose of the Ninth Amendment, and the Amendment has a deeply conservative intent. It protects against the restriction of freedoms based upon situational innovation. Situations may be novel; humanity is never, according to proper conservative thought. Why, except for the Ninth Amendment, how are we to say that Elon Musk has the right to passage on a self-funded rocket ship, if the Constitution does not mention rocket ships? How can he have the right to do so?
A genuine attempt to author a position on the imagined spectrum of deeply rooted rights versus shallower rights, would have included a central method of analysis of rights from the American legal scholar Wesley Hohfeld in 1913
Briefly, if the spectrum of “rootedness” of rights – remember, a spectrum that was precisely condemned by the Ninth Amendment – would grant government a “privilege,” greater or less, to intrude on these rights, depending on their shallowness. This is an entirely novel analysis of rights and their protection from intrusion. Up to now, in the last quarter-millennium or so, rights only suffer diminution when in conflict with other rights, whether enumerated or not. Alito and the conservatives want to offer worthless rights. A woman has the right to an abortion, to a little teeny bit, but not to the degree she can act upon it.
The flood of intellectual garbage that results from the coloration of rights as deep or shallow is the hallmark of propaganda. Trying to make rational sense of the consequence of such an empty proposition leads to the sort of dense and wordy medley that it has provoked here, for which I apologize for the length.
Alito’s propaganda missive is more densely rooted in Stalinist law, where the zek has the right not to go to Siberia, but still must get on the train. Uncle Joe isn't my idea of legal soundness.
I hate how helpless I feel when all this trauma happens. I feel so fortunate to live in Europe and could offer my home to Ukrainian refugees. We currently have a mother, daughter (14), and son (6) living with us until they can settle permanently here. The support they've received from Germany and our small community has been overwhelming. I feel so lucky to live in a country that still promotes life over "liberty" and genuinely cares about it's population. It's so exhausting to be constantly asked by non-Americans, "what is wrong with your country?". I have no answers anymore and I don't know what to do anymore. I feel so stuck.
Karen Beatty; Don't fret, you are already doing more than most of us can do. You are having an impact, a helping hand, good things to you.
virtual hugs if you want 'em Thank you for doing what you are doing.
I submitted a long reply to this, and I don’t see it now. It couldn’t have been deleted because I didn’t say anything wrong. I thought you were very kind to help the Ukrainian family, which is more than many of us could even try to do. I gather you are an American now living in Europe because you keep being asked about America. Don’t worry, there are lots of us here in the US who are working on these problems. Somehow we will get through.
Hi Carol, I never saw your reply, sorry. I wonder where it went? And, you're right, we will get through, and I suppose things could always be worse. I'm just so weary and I think so many of us feel this way. Helping this family has brought so much joy to our lives and blossomed a new friendship that would have never happened had Putin not invaded...so, there are always silver linings. It's just hard to see the suffering. It seems to be much more tolerated and I don't understand why. I appreciate your response. Thanks!
WOW!!! You are doing the very best anyone can POSSIBLY do, Ms. Beatty, by offering your home to refugees!
>sigh< I still love 'Murica, but I sometimes wish I could have been born ANYWHERE else.
Thursday, June 2 at 5pm PT.
Contact Mervis Reissig: merv4peace@gmail.com
What’s Voterizer? Is Field Team 6 a PAC?
Voterizer is Field Team 6's voting portal. https://www.voterizer.org/
Helps you register to vote in 2 minutes
Helps you vote by mail whenever possible
Lets you know the best way to vote in your state
Helps you find your polling place
And alerts you of upcoming elections!
Field Team 6 is a PAC. I am not personally involved, but I am a donor. https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/field-team-six/C00695346/summary/2020
Thank you so much for your help. You are doing your part. I praise you for that.
I was raised to believe that the opposite of morality is not immorality; it’s indifference. Simply put, I was taught that indifference, the antithesis of empathy and understanding, too often, leads to acceptance of the unacceptable, be it immediate or remote. Hence, when someone who has power, for example, says, “We cannot do this or that.” Why? “Because so much money would be needed. We don’t have the money. Or housing would be required. We don’t have the housing.”—I would like to think, even if I expected I would not succeed, neither would I submit.
I suppose my point is that, at least for me, the antidote to despair derives from exercising those choices that make a person humane—and uniquely human.
I have always had to deal with this... always. Tikkun Olam. My life's work.
We cannot turn our backs on the pain of others. The knowledge that we could suffer the same or similar fate is only part of the reality. It's just plain wrong that has been and is being done, and will continue to be done without as strong a pushback as possible. I contribute to Inequality Media as much as I can and other worthy sites. I make sure i get enough rest and support my relatives in the Upper Midwest (Minnesota) who are experiencing flooding of their home. I speak the truth to power about what legislation needs to be passed, and who may be able to get it done .and give what support I can to those incumbents and candidates. We need decency!
We sure DO need decency.
We need leaders who are not afraid to take immediate action that will protect the rest of us. We cannot ever let things slowly (or rapidly) happen like this ever again. We need all of us to take this country back. And I think we will do it. International pressure is building too!
Run for office. I did, nine times. Won 6. It’s hard stuff. Governing is hard. So many diverse actors. I had more to do. I served on President Obama’s State, Local and Tribal Leaders Climate Preparedness and Resilience Task Force. If you are from CA, the terrific Salud Carbajal was a member, also. We made a difference, educated folks. Here in Ohio, we are stuck in gerrymandered purgatory. While we sere off doing “good stuff”, the Rs were busy getting their ducks in line to tie up our state. We were an early test. Many are trying to turn that around. It’s not a lack of leaders “who are not afraid”. Our President is not afraid. He’s fighting like HELL. We need more democrats elected.
I work in my alderman’s office for this reason. This is where things get done.
Absolutely!
Whoa, Paula, you are terrific, truly doing the hard work of being a contributing citizen. The work you're doing is very difficult. Kudos to you and thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you.
I'm very proud to know of people like you Paula, who are willing to give their most precious commodity, personal time for the good of others. You're right it's not just a lack of leaders, it's a lack of voters who bother to read the issues or think about what a potential candidate is offering. I'm not sure how to reach those who chose to vote for the "most popular" instead of the most willing to try to better our Country.
I think, Fay, we talk to anybody that will listen, and, by all means get people registered. So many get “purged” from voter rolls when they don’t vote consecutively, or the move, change their names, and for many reasons. These voters oftentimes do not even know. Life gets hard. Especially has it been hard for folks during the pandemic. Our local parties across the country have great programs. There is renewed door to door happening. If we all do a bit, then we can have HOPE for sure as Professor Robert discussed.
I am now 89, and find walking difficult, but from 1968 through 2018 I walked precincts, registered voters, manned phoned banks, and did whatever I could for candidates of my choice. It is an inspiring experience and helps the volunteer in understanding the issues important to voters.
THANK YOU FAY!
Paula -- THANK YOU for all you've done. I want quotas for women in all legislative bodies. The world would make a major turnaround if we did -- assuming we could fend off the brainwashed GOP Trump women.
A few days ago, a woman posted on a local neighborhood site that she and her daughter needed some food. She's living in a subsidized housing unit while awaiting HUD housing. After verifying that she was real and this was a legitimate request, that she had the facilities and means to prepare food, I bought her a couple of weeks' worth of groceries. On my way to deliver them, I drove past several people standing with signs at various intersections in the city. I averted my eyes. I was on my way to help a hungry family and just couldn't help everyone else that needed help enroute. The needs are greater than my resources. They're recurring. If I sold everything I owned and gave it to the poor, I'd become one of them and doubt if a single one would be lifted out of poverty by my actions.
This is small scale and I believe that's where change begins. Maybe, that woman's daughter will grow up to be the president or to lead great social change because of her youthful experience.
The emotional toll of national and international events, though, is crushing. It amplifies the local needs.
I learned about the June 11th March for our Lives and immediately looked up the location of the nearest march. I'm going to Ithaca, NY on that day even though I have two knee replacements and am 77yo. I knew this would happen when the assault weapons ban was allowed to expire. No, the 2nd amendment doesn't cover assault weapons!! We can and must get rid of them again!
Thank you professor. I feel helpless and hopeless. That may be my mental illness speaking or it may be my history. I am in physical and mental pain, much of the time. I would argue, that much of what is wrong with the world, has it roots in acts, and inaction, that occurred over all of my adult life, and much of your adult life. I have lost, and am continuing to lose, much. I think about a fictional candidate for president. “I am here to tell you that hope is real, in a life of trials and a world of challenges hope is real…..In a time of global chaos, and instability where our faiths collide as often as our weapon, hope is real. Hope is not up for debate. There’s such a thing as false signs, as false promises but there is no such thing as false hope. There is only hope.” As I have so many times before, and will do many times in the future. I will start from where I am, with what I have, and move toward what I want. I have no choice.
Fred, I appreciate your comment. I used to have hope, the eternal optimist, "half full," I always said. It's been driven out of me by blatant ignorance (even in the face of knowledge) and narcissism (even by politicians who declare altruism, but are inherently out for only themselves). The "false signs" and "false promises" are winning the day, not hope, sadly. The fact that The World, literally, is allowing an entire country's people to be massacred by Russia indicates we have lost our humanity. A bully should never be allowed to cause harm while 'the crowd' looks on. Inaction is unacceptable, and 'sanctions' DO NOT save lives. This is NOT the world I grew up in and I feel helpless to change it. The inaction of our Congress to right wrongs and correct injustice is appalling. Speaking out has no effect on outcomes. I feel I truly "have no choice," have been disempowered. All that said, perhaps the flicker of hope flame will grow with more coming together of silent people who care to create a bonfire of change back to decency and universal compassion with appreciation for diversity.
Unfortunately, nuclear weapons have limited the good politicians' options. We can all hope that someday they are eliminated. That's the ultimate hope for me.
virtual hugs to you! :)
What happened to the hope machine? I saw one comment about hope. Wherever we are, we must see the beauty in nature, each other, and have courage to face. These situations “without words “. It’s been a horrific few weeks. Because we all have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbor littles...wherever, let’s fire up that hope machine, put in the energy needed, and get this turned around. We have no time to lose.
None of us really feel like getting in the fight, however we must! We mobilized and rid ourselves of the worst idiot ever in the WH. We have to keep him and his ilk from coming back. Dan Solomon-what’s that team? Let’s remember the Obama refrain, “Fired Up, Ready To Go!”
Field Team 6 is having a "volunteer fair" Thursday
In order to win, we need to FLIP four Senate races in Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Field Team 6 has millions of unregistered likely Democratic women in a database from these states.
North Carolina
525,337 Unregistered Likely Democratic Women
Florida
770,734 Unregistered Likely Democratic Women
Wisconsin
385,213 Unregistered Likely Democratic Women
Pennsylvania
595,734 Unregistered Likely Democratic Women
Field Team 6 fair:
Thursday, June 2 at 5pm PT.
Contact Mervis Reissig: merv4peace@gmail.com
We've also been sending postcards.
We cannot get depressed. Fight, people. Change this dystopia. Do it for the kids. I’ll contact the team.
Daniel, thank you for information like this, going to the trouble to share this information on this forum. This is so good to know. I'll check it out.
Another saying is worth recalling: Don't get mad, get even. Even in a red county (Seneca, in Jim Jordan's district) in gerrymandered states like Ohio, my hope machine is humming. Support Tim Ryan and other blue heroes.
Todays substack post is so important considering everything happening worldwide, from Putin’s war on Ukraine to the murder of 19 children and 2 teachers in Texas. We have all been emotionally slammed over the past several years and it’s easy to become overwhelmed, I know that I have been many times, however, what helps me cope a little easier is by doing small things, such as donating to organizations that address each issue. I even bought a painting from Ukrainian artist recently to help support her. As Dr. Reich said, getting involved is another great way to stay focused. I volunteer for a progressive organization, I sign petitions, I make calls, etc., each one individually may not make a huge difference, however when many people get involved too, it can and often does. Turning anger into action can be one of the greatest emotional boosts.
What I do is contribute money -- I try hard to make sure the organizations I'm contributing to are real.
Money helps, and often more than you think. Just read the notes of appreciation from any charity and you'll see that your donation plus those of others can bring health, dignity and motivation to improve community life as well as individual security. There is a Hindu belief that (I think I remember this), according to karma, people go through four stages of life: learning in youth, practicing in adulthood, retiring in autumn years and ultimately divestment, or sharing one's wealth with the needy, including the endangered world.
Yes...have to be careful. I will check out with Democratic Party.
There are no words… this is what I said over and over again about the former occupant of the Peoples House. I simply couldn’t find a word to describe the shame and embarrassment towards those that voted him into office.
There’s a huge disconnect between this laundry list of problems in this country and the elected officials that could have done much more to prevent mass shootings with assault weapons, for starters.
Still… I have no words. 🌻💔
Don’t get sad and give up. Get angry and act!
And get together--with people who feel and believe as you do. It's hopeless if you feel all alone. But you can find friends to support you and to take concerted action.
Thursday, June 2 at 5pm PT.
Contact Mervis Reissig: merv4peace@gmail.com
Thanks, but what is that? I don’t think I need a support group as such.
In order to win, we need to FLIP four Senate races in Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Field Team 6 has millions of unregistered likely Democratic women in a database from these states.
North Carolina
525,337 Unregistered Likely Democratic Women
Florida
770,734 Unregistered Likely Democratic Women
Wisconsin
385,213 Unregistered Likely Democratic Women
Pennsylvania
595,734 Unregistered Likely Democratic Women
Field Team 6 fair:
Thursday, June 2 at 5pm PT.
Contact Mervis Reissig: merv4peace@gmail.com
Good idea. I don’t think I can help here, but that’s a plan and it will get others going.
Another group who seem to lack all empathy for those who are not wealthy and powerful are the six Republican Supreme Court justices.
I think the best way to combat the sadness and frustration is to become involved in an advocacy organization or a political campaign, even a local one. I heard a comment that some gun safety legislation now has a better chance in the Senate, because gun safety advocacy organizations have become more numerous and better organized over the past ten years. Feeling that you're making a positive impact is a powerful anti-depressant.
The Supreme Court justices! Of course you are right. After all, THEY are themselves wealthy, placed on that court BY the wealthy elite to SPECIFICALLY do their bidding. And boy has that court, since 2000, has done that!! One of the most corrupt institutions in our government is the Supreme Court number one, and all the lower federal courts that McConnell corrupted.
Spot on! Claire. The Supreme Court gets the attention but it is the Federal Courts Nationwide that Moscow Mitch packed with like thinking cronies that are doing the most damage to our representative democracy.
We all can do something no matter how small. Donating our time and dollars to,some of the myriad organizations doing good work. Going one on one with people we know are suffering in our families and communities. And directing efforts especially , too, towards modifying the influence of moneyed interests in our political universe.
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. - Frederic Nietzsche
"For whenever you are staring into the abyss, the abyss is also staring into you." FN
The great dilemma. Thank you for this quote.
Going on with the topic of the susceptibility of emotion to propaganda, we see that Alito’s Manifesto as an emotional appeal, not a valid legal analysis - one test for propaganda is that it may offer concepts in the garb of reason and fact but avoid the application of rational analysis to them in the argument.
Hoagland’s Bad History, right here on substack.com, takes on this challenge. See <a href=https://williamhogeland.substack.com/p/all-roads-lead-to-the-glucksberg?s=r>Bad History</a> (I hope the link comes out looking like a snappy reference and not e-spatter.)
One propaganda meme which Alito founds his argument on, is “…that certain rights are constitutionally protected only if they are “deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition” and “implicit in the concept of ordered liberty…””
This is analytic dreck. Any decent high school class on the Constitution will recite the Ninth Amendment, twenty-one words reading: “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.”
Long before John Marshall analyzed the role of the Supreme Court itself to authoritatively judge the Constitution, these words were right there in the document. Words such as “deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition” do not appear there.
One precedent cited in Alito’s argument dated from 1997, which he might consider deeply rooted in precedent (Glucksberg), more so than Roe (1976). One reason that true American Conservatives are predisposed against legal innovation is the claim that there is nothing new under the sun in human behavior; therefore, there is no need for legal innovation to address “new” issues, as they impact humans in a way immaterial to the novelty of the argument.
Distaste for legal innovation is the purpose of the Ninth Amendment, and the Amendment has a deeply conservative intent. It protects against the restriction of freedoms based upon situational innovation. Situations may be novel; humanity is never, according to proper conservative thought. Why, except for the Ninth Amendment, how are we to say that Elon Musk has the right to passage on a self-funded rocket ship, if the Constitution does not mention rocket ships? How can he have the right to do so?
A genuine attempt to author a position on the imagined spectrum of deeply rooted rights versus shallower rights, would have included a central method of analysis of rights from the American legal scholar Wesley Hohfeld in 1913
Briefly, if the spectrum of “rootedness” of rights – remember, a spectrum that was precisely condemned by the Ninth Amendment – would grant government a “privilege,” greater or less, to intrude on these rights, depending on their shallowness. This is an entirely novel analysis of rights and their protection from intrusion. Up to now, in the last quarter-millennium or so, rights only suffer diminution when in conflict with other rights, whether enumerated or not. Alito and the conservatives want to offer worthless rights. A woman has the right to an abortion, to a little teeny bit, but not to the degree she can act upon it.
The flood of intellectual garbage that results from the coloration of rights as deep or shallow is the hallmark of propaganda. Trying to make rational sense of the consequence of such an empty proposition leads to the sort of dense and wordy medley that it has provoked here, for which I apologize for the length.
Alito’s propaganda missive is more densely rooted in Stalinist law, where the zek has the right not to go to Siberia, but still must get on the train. Uncle Joe isn't my idea of legal soundness.
@Steve. Thank you very much. I don't mind the length!
This is perfect. Thank you.